If you are just getting into triathlons it is understandable to be nervous about certain aspects of the event.

Swimming can be daunting if you don’t come from a swimming background.

For the Bassetlaw Sprint triathlon we ask you to estimate your time it will take to cover the 400m distance (16 lengths). The time will help the organisers to place you close to other competitors of a similar time – this reduces the need for overtaking.
The start times given to you will mean that you will be in a lane with usually no more than 4-5 people doing a similar pace. This is unlike the open water mass starts that you will have seen no doubt.

Usually, the longer time it takes to cover the 400m will mean you will be placed earlier in the starting times.

To get the time for the 400m simply go your pool when there is lane swimming and time yourself.

One that is safe and works well. For example the bike must have two wheels with inflated tyres which both have working brakes. The ends of the handlebars must have covers (plugs) to prevent injury to others in the event of a crash. If you think your bike needs to be checked over, then the best thing to do is visit your local bike shop who can carry out a cycle check for a reasonable fee.

A negative split – most commonly used in relation to the run – is where you pace to make sure that the second half of the respective discipline is faster than the first. It’s a common tactic to ensure that you don’t go too hard too early and ‘blow up’ further into the race. It’s especially important if you’re not good at pacing yourself.

According to BTF, rule 7.1: “All competitors must have their helmet securely fastened from the time they remove their bike from the rack before the start of the bike leg, until after they have placed their bike on the rack after the finish of the bike leg.” Failure to do so may result in a time penalty.

Stay over to one side of the pack or at the back if you’re not racing competitively. If there’s a buoy turn involved, work out your route prior to the start and stay to the outside of that to avoid a squishing. Also remember that it’s all part of the racing experience and no triathlete would put you at risk on purpose.

A catch-up drill is a swim drill to lengthen your stroke. One arm should be out in front, while the other goes through the whole stroke motion and ‘catches up’ to it. Then switch arms and repeat. it’s similar to your normal stroke action, just with one arm waiting on the other before starting to move.

Of course you can. But open-water-specific goggles do tend to come with larger lenses, which therefore provide better peripheral vision. The other area to consider is the lens colour, to cope with the different lighting conditions outdoors.

In short no, you can swim any stroke you want as long as you make it to the end of the swim by cut-off time. However BTF rule 4.1 states: “Backstroke is not permitted in pool swims; any competitor wishing to use backstroke at an open water event must indicate this to the Event Organiser before entering the water.” Backstroke in open-water can also lead to some sighting issues though.